Description
weekly reflective journals
Explanation & Answer
Attached.
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Contemporary Theories Reflections
Name
Institutional affiliation
Course
Tutor
Date
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Contemporary Theories Reflections
Over the week, I have learned a lot of messages that I believe will have significant
impacts on me as a teacher. One of the main messages that I have learned is the need to adopt
an individualized and culturally responsive instruction approach. I am really concerned about
this issue because of the nature of the modern classroom. Cultural diversity is an important
characteristic of modern learning environments. All over the world, it is very difficult to find
classrooms that lack cultural diversity. Teachers in modern classrooms must identify the
cultural diversities within their classrooms and make efforts to respond to them. It is not
possible to have effective learning taking place in modern classrooms if the needs of the
various cultures in the classroom are not met. Thus, it is the responsibility of every teacher to
develop a culturally responsive instruction. In this reflection, I explain my understanding
from the week’s studies how a teacher may integrate a culturally responsive instruction in the
course of their teaching practice. Additionally, I discuss why it is essential to diversify
teaching in today’s society in order to reach different settings. Finally, I evaluate how
culturally responsive instruction provides equal opportunity for diverse students and
promotes economic goals of K-12 education. In sum, the main lesson from the week that this
paper evaluate is that cultural considerations are an important aspect of teaching in modern
society, without which it is not possible to realize effective learning.
The learning environment has evolved quite significantly over the past few decades.
Unlike the previous scenario where classrooms were dominated by leaners from one cultural
backgrounds, today’s classroom contains leaners from many cultural backgrounds. Thus,
there are many reasons why it is important to diversify teaching to reach different cultures in
modern society. One of the reasons is that it enhances inclusion and equity. Due to
globalization and other modern trends that have enhanced human interaction, communities
are not inhabited by people from different cultural backgrounds. In order to enhance the
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development of these communities, it is necessary to find mechanisms that will make sure
these people live in harmony. In the classrooms, teachers have the responsibility of making
sure that the learners live together in harmony. Thus, by diversifying teaching to reach
different cultures in the society, teachers will be playing an important role in promoting
inclusion and equity in society.
The second reason for this action is to improve learning outcomes. There is evidence
to suggest that when learners can relate to the materials being presented in class, it is possible
that the quality of learning will be better than when they are not able to relate with the
materials being presented. The reason for this is that when the learning contents reflect the
cultures of the learners, they will feel valued and respected. This will in return influence their
relationship with the teachers. In the long run, their motivation, participation and
performance will increase. Another reason why this is beneficial is that it will address
implicit bias and stereotypes in society. When students are exposed to materials from diverse
viewpoints, they will learn to appreciate different viewpoints and accommodate diverse
cultural beliefs, values and practices. In the long run, there will be a reduction in the
prejudice and stereotypes that have characterized the treatment of some cultures in society.
In the face of many cultural conflicts that characterize many communities in the
world, having a teaching instruction that reflects the diverse traits of the classroom is
important since it will help to address some of the conflicts. When cultural wars usually
occur, they are as a result of misunderstanding. Through a culturally responsive instruction,
teachers are able to help leaners to not only understand cultural differences but to also be
tolerant of diverse cultures.
There are several approaches that I may apply in order to integrate culturally
responsive instruction into my teaching. One of the most important approaches is to build
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appropriate relationships with the students in order to help understand their cultural
backgrounds. This is the foundation of an effective culturally responsive instruction. It is
important for a teacher to not only know what number of cultures that are represented in their
classrooms but also the unique features of each of these cultures. I will use some approaches
in order to understand the various cultural backgrounds of the learners. I may conduct
surveys and engage in open conversation with the learners. Moreover, I may allow the
lea...
